Today’s News

Country Singer Jack Greene Dies at 83

Country singer Jack Greene, who was best known for hits like "There Goes My Everything" and "Statue of a Fool" died Thursday from complications stemming from Alzheimer's disease, USA Today reports. He was 83.

Greene, nicknamed the Jolly Green Giant, was born in Maryville, Tenn. He got his first guitar at age 10 and began playing on a local radio station when he was a teenager. He began singing and playing guitar, string bass or drums in groups like Cherokee Trio, the Rhythm Ranch Boys and the Peach Tree Cowboys when he moved to Atlanta.

In 1962, Greene joined Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours as a drummer and a relief singer. When one of his vocal recordings with the band gained traction, he was offered a record deal as a solo artist. He officially left Tubb's band in 1967 when his single "There Goes My Everything" began topping the country charts.

That same year, he took home three awards at the first-ever Country Music Association Awards, including Male Vocalist, Single and Album of the Year. He joined that Grand Ole Opry cast that December. He went on to score five No. 1 country hits in three years and also recorded several hit duets with Opry member Jeannie Seely, including 1969's "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You."

Greene struggled with Alzheimer's disease in later years, but continued to perform at the Opry until December 2011, when he would perform "There Goes My Everything" for the final time.